Rafaela did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] In 2021, he played for the Salem Red Sox, batting .251/.305/.424.[4] He started 2022 with the Greenville Drive before being promoted to the Portland Sea Dogs.[5][6] Rafaela was selected to the 2022 All-Star Futures Game.[7] For the season, Rafaela was named minor-league Defensive Player of the Year by the Red Sox organization.[8] On November 15, Rafaela was added to Boston's 40-man roster.[9]
In January 2023, Rafaela was ranked the 71st best prospect by Baseball America list and the 53rd best prospect by Fangraphs.[10][11] Rafaela was initially optioned to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox to begin the 2023 season.[12] However, on March 28, the Red Sox announced that Rafaela would begin back in Double-A Portland so he could work on his approach at the plate without having to adjust to the higher level.[13] On May 13, Rafaela set a franchise record after stealing six bases in a game against the Somerset Patriots—he was initially credited with seven steals but had one taken away due to defensive indifference.[14] Rafaela was promoted to Worcester on June 28.[15] On August 28, he was added to Boston's major-league roster.[16] He made his MLB debut that evening, hitting a single in his first at bat.[17] On September 12, in the second game of the doubleheader against the New York Yankees, Rafaela hit his first major-league home run, estimated at 400 feet, off Carlos Rodón.[18] In September, Rafaela was recognized as the Red Sox' minor-league baserunner of the year for 2023.[19] In 2023 with the Red Sox, he had a slash line of .241/.281/.386.[20]
Rafaela was on Boston's Opening Day roster to begin the 2024 season.[21] On April 8, 2024, Rafaela signed an eight-year, $50 million contract extension with the Red Sox, locking him up through the 2031 season. [22] On July 5, 2024, Rafaela hit a two-run home run in the top of the tenth inning to help secure a 5-3 win for the Red Sox against the New York Yankees in his first game at Yankee Stadium.[23]
Personal life
Rafaela's middle name of "Chipper" comes from Chipper Jones, due to his mother being a fan of the Atlanta Braves.[24] He speaks English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento.[25]